A Gift Beyond Price
Daniel swallowed hard. “I didn’t come here to cause trouble,” he said quietly. “I just wanted to find something small—a birthday gift for my daughter.”
Lily looked up, eyes shining. “Daddy, we don’t need anything. I just want you.”
Ethan crouched beside her, his voice warm.
“Sweetheart, your father is a hero in my eyes. And today is your special day. You deserve to smile.”
He stood, turning to his staff.
“Let her pick anything she wants. It’s on me.”
The boutique fell silent.
Lily looked around shyly, her little hand still gripping her father’s.
“Anything?” she whispered.
Ethan smiled. “Anything.”
Instead of running to the glittering jewels or the lavish handbags, she walked slowly toward a small display near the corner and picked up a simple silver locket.
“This one,” she said softly. “It’s perfect.”
